Azaleas in Regalia
by Kathryn Newland

(from PHS's Green Scene magazine)

Spring announces its arrival with the blooming of hundreds of azaleas and rhododendrons in hues of white, pink, purple and red. At the half-century old Azalea Garden in Fairmount Park, this serene four-acre oasis located behind the world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art captivates visitors with a spectacular collection of blooming shrubs that offers seasonal variety throughout the year.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society dedicated the Azalea Garden in 1952, using a design by landscape architect Frederick Peck (also an active volunteer for PHS and at the Flower Show). After years of diminishing resources for the Garden's maintenance, PHS partnered with the Fairmount Park Commission in 1989 to undertake a $400,000 renovation of the garden with private funding. "Given its location, the Azalea Garden is a highly visible, much loved public space," notes J. Blaine Bonham, Jr., PHS executive vice president. "We wanted to reinvent the garden and create an attractive, inviting setting for its visitors."

PHS hired the firm of Shusterman & Steiger to undertake a management and rehabilitation plan for the garden. Early on in the process, the original azaleas were rejuvenated under the direction of Fred Galle (whose book, Azaleas , is considered the definitive volume on the subject). "Fred also helped with the overall assessment," notes landscape architect Victoria Steiger. "We ended up removing azaleas and rhododendrons that were past their prime and, because pruning hadn't been done in ages, other plants were pruned way back to encourage new growth." Victoria added that some azaleas were also transplanted to better blend the garden's color schemes.

Next came the building of a new entrance and focal point for the Azalea Garden--a pergola anchored by a stone-seat wall and brick terrace. To offer four seasons of interest, new trees and hundreds of shrubs expanded the plant palette. Today, shrubs like aesculus, chionanthus, cotinus, fothergilla, halesia, hydrangea, holly, pieris, stewartia, and even parrotia join glowing azaleas to delight the senses. Masses of early-blooming crocus, tulips, and daffodils put on a show that signals spring has finally arrived, while native and hybridized azaleas and rhododendrons reach their peak in early May. Summer flowers and perennials like anemone, heuchera and perovskia continue the cascades of color through the fall, as does the late-summer show of crape myrtle trees.

During the warmer months, passers-by are sure to discover wedding parties that come for the incredible photo backdrop. Groups of mothers with babies spread out blankets for a morning of pleasant activity, and couples enjoy a fragrant, romantic moment nestled on the teak benches scattered throughout.

A close collaboration between PHS and the Fairmount Park Commission guides ongoing maintenance of the Azalea Garden. "We keep it looking fabulous with a landscape contractor's services and the able hands of our 15-member volunteer group--the Friends of the Azalea Garden," says project manager Marilyn Romenesko. The Friends come out one Saturday each month from April to November to plant, weed, and water. You'll find them cutting back the dwarf crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.), dividing hostas, or planting the hottest summer-bloomers available on the market. They've even been known to come out late on an August evening to water during a dry spell.

PHS's annual Azalea Garden Gala (held at the peak of the azalea blooming season) raises a portion of the money needed for the garden's upkeep. Delectable foods, cool drinks, sublime music, and the greatest array of garden party hats in the region make it a very popular event--a grand celebration of this true horticultural gem in the heart of Philadelphia.

[From the April 2004 issue]

For information on tickets to the Azalea Garden Party, or to learn about volunteer opportunities in the garden, call 215-988-8800.